It is crucial that we allocate time to acknowledge and show gratitude to the artists who dedicate their utmost effort to create outstanding music for us. These artists go to great lengths to ensure their fans’ satisfaction by consistently releasing exceptional songs. Only a few musical acts have managed to effectively capture the musical spirit of the 2010s and beyond, and Davido is undoubtedly one of them.
Davido’s distinctive sound celebrates the simple pleasures of navigating life as a Nigerian, and his career spanning over a decade has been defined by songs that offer solace amidst challenging realities. Whether or not fans can personally relate to his exaggerated and often playful lyrics, Davido always guarantees a good time.
Since his notable entry into the music scene with the assistance of Naeto C on “Back When” and his bold follow-up track “Dami Duro,” Davido has maintained a prominent presence in the ever-evolving Afrobeats genre. With record-breaking singles and albums, as well as his innate ability to make every collaboration feel like a “Davido song,” he stands as one of Afrobeats’ most acclaimed artists, capable of creating music that effortlessly becomes an anthem.
We have delved into Davido’s extensive collection of both popular hits and underappreciated gems to compile a list of his most essential songs, presented in no particular order. Afrobeats superstar Davido has consistently delivered what music enthusiasts crave.
He has emerged as one of the Nigerian music industry’s biggest stars, leaving an indelible mark both domestically and internationally. Since stepping into the limelight, Davido has been immensely successful, working his way to the top without any intention of holding back. He has collaborated with numerous artists from both national and international music scenes.
Check out our latest blog post on 10 Tips For Recording Your Own Music Sessions in Nigeria to learn valuable insights for your recording sessions.
Here are the top best Davido songs of all-time:
1. Dami Duro
Produced in collaboration with Shizzi, “Dami Duro” provided Davido with an opportunity to move away from his original rags-to-riches story and embrace a narrative that better reflected his public image. This outstanding and exuberant track served as both a statement of purpose and a lively party anthem, with the talented singer boldly proclaiming his determination to revolutionize the industry while cautioning those who dared to hinder his progress.
2. Back When with Naeto C
In 2011, Davido made his debut on the music scene with “Back When,” marking his first official single. This track not only showcased his talents as a teenage producer and singer but also positioned him among a fresh wave of artists aiming to redefine afrobeat for the digitally-connected fanbase of the time.
With “Back When,” Davido burst onto the scene with an energetic anthem that highlighted his journey from humble beginnings to success, a compelling narrative given his later revelation as the son of a millionaire. The self-produced song also boasted a dynamic collaboration with rapper Naeto C, adding a punchy and playful element to the track.
3. Carolina with Sauce Kid
Just a few months prior to the global release of his debut album, Davido teamed up with Nigerian rapper Sauce Kid (now known as Sinzu) to deliver “Carolina,” produced by Maleek Berry, as a grand finale to 2011. This remarkable collaboration seamlessly blended Sauce Kid’s silky and effortless delivery with Davido’s distinct vocals, resulting in an impeccable hook that left a lasting impact. “Carolina” swiftly soared to the top of the charts, solidifying its status as a certified hit and one of the most enduring collaborations in the realm of Afrobeats up to the present day.
4. All of You
After a series of hit singles and facing criticism due to his privileged background, Davido had a lot to demonstrate with his first album, OBO. With “All of You” serving as the album’s introductory track, Davido skillfully balanced between displaying confidence and avoiding arrogance.
In this song, he boldly asserted his status as one of the industry’s finest, which was quite audacious for a 19-year-old unveiling his initial artistic creation to the world. However, reflecting on “All of You” several years later, it appears that young Davido’s claim may have been accurate.
5. Ekuro
Delving into his Yoruba roots, Davido explores the theme of love in “Ekuro,” drawing a parallel between his relationship and the durability of a palm fruit bean, assuring his beloved that their love will withstand any circumstances. Despite being undervalued, “Ekuro” stands out as a hidden gem within his debut album.
It marks a significant departure from the energetic and lively tracks like “Back When” and “Dami Duro” that initially introduced him to the world. However, it serves as a crucial building block for Davido to later deliver timeless romantic classics such as “Aye,” “If,” and “Jowo.
Discover the incredible journeys of Nigeria’s top musicians who have successfully ventured into the world of movies, and explore effective strategies to avoid feeling stuck in your music career by checking out our blog posts on Top 20 Nigerian Musicians Who Have Been Featured in Movies and Top 15 Ways to Avoid Feeling Stuck In Your Music Career in Nigeria.
6. Skelewu
Prior to TikTok’s rise as a powerful platform capable of catapulting lesser-known songs into fast-paced chart-toppers through synchronized dance challenges, Davido made a significant impact on the global dance scene with his viral 2013 hit, “Skelewu.” This song not only gained immense popularity but also gave birth to a viral dance of the same name.
Produced by Shizzi, “Skelewu” and its accompanying music video enabled Davido to attain a new level of influence in the realm of Afrobeats, comparable to renowned hitmakers like Daddy Showkey, Marvelous Benji, Olu Maintain, and Artquake.
7. Aye
Before Davido showcased his ability to shower his muse with opulent luxuries and all the material possessions money can buy on popular tracks like “Fall,” “If,” and “1Milli,” he released “Aye” in 2014. This folk-inspired pop song, written by Runtown, the artist behind “Mad Over You,” depicts Davido singing about a love that transcends materialistic desires. Produced by T-Spize, “Aye” has since become a distinctive Davido track, frequently played in clubs and cherished at wedding receptions worldwide.
8. Coolest Kids in Africa with Nasty C
In 2016, the dominance of trap music was undeniable as it transitioned from dimly lit Atlanta clubs to ruling the top of the charts. Songs like Desiigner’s “Timmy Turner” and Migos’ “Bad and Boujee” emerged as global anthems. Always eager to explore new sounds, Davido collaborated with South African rapper Nasty C for the trap-infused track titled “Coolest Kid in Africa,” featured on his 2016 EP, Son of Mercy. The song showcases Davido and Nasty C complementing each other’s styles while infusing traditional hip-hop bass with an African twist, resulting in one of Davido’s most daring and experimental tracks to date.
9. If
Crafted by Tekno, both as a writer and producer, “If” marked the beginning of a Davido renaissance, putting an end to the singer’s dry spell following the lukewarm reception of his Son of Mercy EP. Widely regarded as one of Davido’s greatest songs to date, “If” unofficially became a national anthem of sorts for Nigerians.
Its immense success led to Davido winning the prestigious Best African Act of the year award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, inspiring a fashion collection in collaboration with the renowned Nigerian designer, Orange Culture. Additionally, “If” played a significant role in solidifying the identity of Davido’s fan club, known as The 30 Billion Gang or 30BG.
10. Fall
Widely hailed as Davido’s crowning achievement, “Fall” served as the catalyst for his transformation from a revered Nigerian musician to a worldwide sensation. Drawing inspiration from the prevalent synth-driven mid-tempo trend of 2016, as exemplified by hits like Runtown’s “Mad Over You” and Tekno’s “Pana,” the production by Kiddominant elevated Davido’s heartfelt lyrics expressing his desire to leave the streets behind for the sake of love. Remarkably, “Fall” etched its name in history by becoming the longest-charting Nigerian pop song on the Billboard charts as early as 2019, well before Nigerians began regularly appearing on Billboard’s rankings.
In our latest blog post, we explore the vibrant Nigerian music scene and highlight the top foreign musicians that have embraced its rich cultural tapestry, showcasing their talents and diversity within the country. From classic melodies to trendy beats, we also take a closer look at the fashion choices of the 15 best-dressed male musicians in Nigeria, who effortlessly combine style and musical prowess.
11. FIA
Among Davido’s extensive discography, only a handful of songs match the vulnerability showcased in his 2017 single, “FIA.” Delving deep into the emotions of a man grappling with frustration over his lover’s perpetual discontentment, Davido shines brilliantly, contemplating what could have been while summoning the strength to walk away from a love that places excessive demands on him. In a year that witnessed Davido’s rise as a master of romantic ballads with tracks like “Fall” and “If,” “FIA” stood out as a more emotionally introspective exploration of love for the singer, grounding his artistry in raw sentiment.
12. Like Dat
Completing his remarkable streak of hits in 2017, Davido concluded with the release of “Like Dat,” following the tremendous success of “If,” “Fall,” and “FIA.” Once again collaborating with Shizzi, and with co-writing contributions from Teni, the song has attained an almost cult-like status. Many consider “Like Dat” as Davido’s finest song from that era, despite being slightly overshadowed by the overwhelming popularity of the tracks that came before it.
13. Assurance
Davido is no stranger to baring his soul in a grand gesture to express his love through music. Although glimpses of the singer’s romantic life had been the subject of media speculation since his debut, he ultimately assumed creative control over the narrative with the unveiling of “Assurance” in 2018.
By publicly revealing his relationship through the visually captivating video directed by Meji Alabi, Davido gave a face to his muse, symbolizing a significant step forward. In “Assurance,” the singer made a heartfelt promise, vowing a lifetime of unwavering love and commitment.
14. Divine with Odunsi The Engine
The debut album “rare” by Odunsi The Engine, released in 2018, played a crucial role in Nigeria’s alternative alté movement by breaking the established norms of Nigerian music. This album quickly sparked a wave of audacious projects from artists like Tay Iwar, Lady Donli, and Cruel Santino in 2019.
Odunsi’s “Divine,” featuring Davido’s energetic vocals and his distinctive “Shekpe!” adlib, tapped into the independent Y2K-inspired scene before it gained mainstream popularity. The song successfully won over skeptics of the genre and served as a reminder to audiences of the exciting possibilities that emerge when familiar elements and innovative outliers find a harmonious musical balance.
15. Blow My Mind with Chris Brown
Following a series of successful releases building anticipation for his second album, Davido enlisted the collaboration of Chris Brown on “Blow My Mind,” a smooth R&B love song characterized by captivating vocals. The track was written by singer Wurld and produced by Davido’s long-time collaborator, Shizzi. This song established the musical direction for the remaining singles from the album, including “Risky” featuring Popcan and “Sweet in the Middle” featuring Naira Marley, Wurld, and Zlatan.
Explore the diverse musical landscape of Nigeria as we delve into the most popular genres of music in Nigeria, and uncover the profound impact of Nigerian music on the African continent.
16. Risky with Popcaan
“Davido infuses his trademark energy into the lively and sensuous dancehall track, “Risky,” providing Popcaan with the opportunity to shine after his brief appearance on Drake’s “Controlla.” The song’s production by Speroach Beatz evokes vivid imagery of neon-lit clubs, perspiring bodies, and the alluring art of slow seductive dancing.”
17. D&G with Summer Walker
In his quest to expand his presence in the international music scene, Davido teamed up with American singer Summer Walker for “D&G,” a captivating addition to his already impressive collection of love songs.
18. 1Milli
Davido goes beyond mere physical and mental commitment when it comes to love. In this song produced by Teekay Witty, Davido is completely captivated by his love interest, questioning whether offering her one million dollars would be sufficient to capture her attention. “1Milli,” from his album A Good Time released in 2019, can also be seen as an informal continuation of his previous track “Assurance” from 2018.
19. FEM
To discuss the 2020 #EndSARS movement without recognizing the significant impact of music in providing the soundtrack and inspiration for protests throughout the country would be an oversight. However, among the numerous songs, there was one in particular that effectively encapsulated the intense tension and collective exhaustion felt during those two weeks: Davido’s “Fem”. The artist utilized the word “fem,” meaning “shut up,” as a response to his detractors. However, when the protests gained momentum, disillusioned Nigerians transformed the song into a powerful expression of defiance aimed squarely at the Nigerian government.
20. Stand Strong
When Davido previewed “Stand Strong” in 2022, his “new” sound left many people uncertain about what to expect. Teaming up with The Samples, known for their collaboration with Kanye West for his Sunday Service Choir, Davido delivers his most emotionally revealing song to date.
Stripping away theatrics, he embraces raw honesty as he confronts his deepest fears about fame, while also acknowledging his personal growth and unwavering determination. “Stand Strong” stands as a resounding testament to Davido’s versatility and serves as a triumphant expression of his musical evolution.
Embark on a visual journey through the vibrant world of Nigerian music with the top 15 latest Nigerian music videos in 2023, while keeping a keen eye on the rising talents among the top Nigerian artists to watch in 2023.
Conclusion
Davido’s unwavering dedication to his craft is a testament to his passion and love for music. He has become an emblem of excellence in the Afrobeats genre, captivating audiences with his infectious energy and irresistible melodies. His ability to create music that transcends boundaries and resonates with people from all walks of life is truly remarkable.
As we reflect on Davido’s remarkable career, it becomes evident that he is more than just a musician. He is a visionary who has embraced the power of music to bridge gaps and bring people together. His songs have the unique ability to transport us to a world where joy, resilience, and unity prevail.
In a world where the music industry is constantly evolving, Davido’s consistency and authenticity shine through. He has shown us the importance of staying true to oneself while pushing boundaries and exploring new creative territories. His artistry serves as a reminder that music has the power to touch hearts, uplift spirits, and inspire change.